This is not an error! An interview with Logan Hamrick and Samuel Antezana of the Blu-ray label ERROR 4444

For lovers of Asian genre cinema the world of boutique Blu-ray releases has become a treasure trove of incredible releases aimed right at the serious aficionado. The mainstay labels: Criterion, Arrow, Shout have been joined by smaller specialized labels focused squarely on bringing films that have traditionally not gotten the love they deserve from physical releases to collectors with the best presentation possible.

One of the most interesting such labels is Error_4444 baked out of Maryland in the United States. I sat down with Logan Hamrick and Samuel Antezana for an exclusive interview about the state of physical media with the goal of helping to bridge the divide between fans and distributors, and give everyone an insight into where that business is in 2024.

Error_4444's Angel Termination Blu-ray release.

Error_4444’s Angel Termination Blu-ray release.

Will McGuire: Good afternoon, gentlemen. Let’s start with the easiest question: Who are you, and what do you do?

Samuel Antezana: My name’s Samuel Antezana —-

Logan Hamrick: And I’m Logan Hamrick

SA: And we’re “Error_444” a boutique film distribution label focused on Asian genre cinema. So, anything weird: horror, exploitation, action, sci-fi, you name it and that’s what we’re going for. Our mantra is “By collectors, for collectors” because we’re big believers in physical media and keeping that alive.

WM: For those who don’t know, what’s the origin of the name “Error_444”?

SA: It was honestly a joke. We were thinking about a lot of different things: inside jokes, and tropes that would make sense if you knew something about Asian culture. The number 4 is considered bad luck amongst many Asian cultures. Then the “Error” was my joke, if you remember those old PCs you would get error codes like 101. So why don’t we pair these two things that are symbols of bad luck? Some people Continue reading

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Gold Ninja Video to release Blu-ray for 1974’s ‘The Golden Triangle’ starring Yasuaki Kurata and Han Ying-Chieh

The Golden Triangle | Blu-ray (Gold Ninja Video)

The Golden Triangle | Blu-ray (Gold Ninja Video)

Later this month, Indie label Gold Ninja Video is releasing the Blu-ray for The Golden Triangle (not to be confused with the 1975 film of the same name), a 1974 kung fu classic from director Chi Lo (The Dragon Lives Again) and star Yasuaki Kurata (Iceman: Time Traveller). 

Official details:

After his partner is killed in a job gone wrong, a super cool secret agent (Yasuaki Kurata, Fist of Legend) is given the impossible mission to infiltrate a Filipino drug ring and take down the big boss (Han Ying-Chieh, Bruce Lee’s The Big Boss) before the bad stuff hits the street. 

From directors Chi Lo (The Dragon Lives Again) and Romeo N. Galang (Fight! Batman! Fight!) comes this rock ‘em sock’em Continue reading

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One-Percent Warrior | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

One-Percent Warrior | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

One-Percent Warrior | Blu-ray (Well Go USA)

RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2024

On March 12, 2024, Well Go USA is releasing the Blu-ray for One-Percent Warrior (read our review), starring martial arts star, Tak Sakaguchi (Battlefield Baseball, Re:Born).

For the film, Sakaguchi re-teams with filmmaker Yudai Yamaguchi, who previously worked with Tak as writer on Versus, and as director on Yakuza Weapon. These two, packaged with choreographer Kensuke Sonomura (Hyrda), earns One Percenter a spot on your must-see list.

Two ruthless yakuza gangs interrupt the shooting of an action flick at an abandoned factory. The action star isn’t too pleased. One hundred yakuza Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, Martial Arts Titles, News |

From Leads to Closings: Realtor Postcards That Convert

The journey from acquiring leads to successfully closing deals can be a challenging one. Realtors constantly seek innovative strategies to increase their conversion rates and achieve their goals. This article will explore the scientific aspects of how REALTOR postcards can effectively bridge the gap between leads and closings. It also sheds light on how specialized companies in real estate direct mail marketing can be invaluable allies in this endeavor.

The Psychology of Postcards

Postcards have a unique advantage over other forms of marketing communication – they are tangible and have a physical presence. This tangible nature triggers a psychological response in recipients. This makes them more likely to remember and engage with the content.

Captivating Visuals

Studies have shown that the human brain processes visual information significantly faster than text. Therefore, realtor postcards must incorporate captivating visuals that instantly grab the recipient’s attention. High-quality images of properties, local landmarks, or even a personalized image of the realtor can create a strong visual impact.

Compelling Content

The content on your postcard should be concise, clear, and persuasive. Highlight key selling points of the property or your real estate services. Use language that your target audience finds appealing and focuses on benefits. People are more likely to respond to messages that offer them something of value or solve a problem they have.

Personalization Through Data

One of the most powerful scientific approaches in modern marketing is data-driven personalization. Utilize data on your leads to tailor your postcards to their specific needs and preferences. Mentioning the recipient’s name, referencing previous interactions, or showcasing properties that match their criteria can significantly enhance the impact of your postcards.

Emotional Triggers

Research consistently demonstrates that emotional triggers play a pivotal role in decision-making. Realtor postcards can tap into this by evoking positive emotions related to the property, such as the feeling of home, security, or investment potential. Emotional resonance can nudge leads towards the closing stage.

Call to Action (CTA)

Every realtor postcard should include a clear and compelling call to action. The presence of a well-crafted CTA can significantly increase response rates. Whether it’s inviting recipients to schedule a viewing, visit your website, or contact you for more information, make it easy for them to take the next step.

The Role of Real Estate Direct Mail Marketing Companies

Here’s a look at how specialized companies in real estate direct mail marketing can be your strategic partners in this endeavor.

Data Analytics

These companies employ advanced data analytics tools to help you understand your target audience better. They can provide valuable insights into the demographics, preferences, and behavior of your leads. Armed with this data, you can create highly personalized postcards that resonate with your audience on a deeper level.

Design Expertise

Creating visually appealing and effective postcards requires design expertise. Real estate direct mail marketing companies have skilled designers who can craft eye-catching layouts, select the right colors, fonts, and imagery. They ensure that your postcards align with your branding strategy.

Printing and Mailing Services

Printing and mailing postcards can be a logistical challenge. These specialized companies have the infrastructure and resources to handle large-scale print runs and ensure timely delivery to your target audience. This reliability is essential in maintaining a consistent marketing campaign.

Compliance and Regulations

Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape of direct mail marketing can be complex. Real estate direct mail marketing companies stay updated with the latest regulations, ensuring that your campaigns are compliant and avoid potential legal pitfalls.

Performance Tracking

In the scientific world, data-driven decision-making is paramount. These companies provide comprehensive tracking and analytics reports, allowing you to measure the performance of your postcard campaigns. You can see which postcards are generating the most leads and conversions, enabling you to refine your strategy for even better results.

In conclusion, REALTOR postcards are a potent tool in converting leads into closings. Understanding the psychological triggers that make postcards effective, such as visuals, content, personalization, emotions, and CTAs, can give you a scientific edge in your marketing efforts.

Posted in News |

Concrete Utopia (2023) Review

“Concrete Utopia” Theatrical Poster

“Concrete Utopia” Theatrical Poster

Directed: Uhm Tae-Hwa
Cast: Lee Byung-Hun, Park Seo-Jun, Park Bo-Young, Kim Sun-Young, Kim Do-Yoon, Park Ji-Hu, Lee Seo-Hwan, Kang Ae-Shim, Lee Hyo-Je, Lee Sun-Hee
Running Time: 129 min.

By Will McGuire

Concrete Utopia, South Korea’s nomination for Best Foreign Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards, is a tense thriller, a particularly honest class commentary, a leap forward for special effects work in the Korean cinema, and twenty minutes too long. It feels extremely reminiscent of two previous Korean crossover hits: Parasite and Snowpiercer. While the film doesn’t quite come up to the level of excellence of those two films, it is eminently worth watching and discussing in this space.

Concrete Utopia is a post-apocalyptic thriller where an unexplained cataclysm hollows out and destroys Seoul except for a single apartment complex in the city center. As is common in films like this, the survivors form a society of their own until the tensions within the new society outpace the struggles from outside. This is not a unique premise: several beloved George Romero films and HBO’s The Last of Us are working much the same ground, but the narrative advantage this film has over most works of its type is that while those stories often depict new societies Continue reading

Posted in All, Korean, News, Reviews | Tagged , |

Hong Kong action stars Jackie Chan, Wu Jing, Simon Yam, Andy Lau, and Andy On assault the channel: Here’s what’s streaming on Hi-YAH in February!

Hi-YAH!, Well Go USA’s very own Asian/martial arts streaming channel has just announced their New Release line up for the month of February, which includes a New title added to Hi-YAH! every Friday.

If you want to give Hi-YAH! a go, visitors of this site can use the promo code “CITYONFIRE” for a FREE 30 Day trial!

Read on for the full list of New and Exclusive Continue reading

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Deal on Fire! Flash Point | Blu-ray | Only $12.99 – Expires soon!

"Flash Point" Blu-ray Cover

“Flash Point” Blu-ray Cover

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for Flash Point, a 2007 martial arts actioner directed by Wilson Yip (Ip Man 4: The Finale, Paradox) and starring Donnie Yen (Big Brother, Chasing the Dragon).

A hot-headed inspector (Yen, who also choreographs the action!) takes on a small but powerful Vietnamese-Chinese gang, after a series of crimes and murder attempts committed and putting an undercover cop and his girlfriend in great danger.

Flash Point also stars Louis Koo (Wild City), Collin Chou (Super Bodyguard), Ray Lui (Firestorm), Fan Bingbing (League of Gods), Kent Cheng (I Did It My Way), Xu Qing (The Emperor’s Shadow) and Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Alex Cheung’s 1981 Hong Kong thriller ‘Man on the Brink’ starring Eddie Cheng arriving on Blu-ray from Kani

Man on the Brink | Blu-ray (Kani)

Man on the Brink | Blu-ray (Kani)

Later this month, Vinegar Syndrome/Kani is releasing the Blu-ray for Alex Cheung’s 1981 Hong Kong thriller, Man on the Brink, starring Eddie Chen (Crazy Blood), Ga Lun (Four Robbers), Kam Hing Yin (Police Story) and Ada Fung (Dangerous Encounter – 1st Kind).

Official details:

Following the success of Cops and Robbers (1979), Alex Cheung’s Man on the Brink further redefined the Hong Kong crime sub-genre. While indebted to New Hollywood staples such as Sidney Lumet’s Serpico (1973), this Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Actor Golden Horse Award winner unleashed a new appetite for undercover cop mayhem, prefiguring Continue reading

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Vinegar Syndrome announces Andrew Lau’s 1999 CG-driven martial arts film ‘A Man Called Hero’

A Man Called Hero | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

A Man Called Hero | Blu-ray (Vinegar Syndrome)

Later this month, Vinegar Syndrome is releasing the Blu-ray Andrew Lau’s 1999 CG-driven martial arts film, A Man Called Hero, starring Ekin Cheng (Twins Effect), Nicholas Tse (Raging Fire), Anthony Wong (Untold Story 2), Yuen Biao (Righting Wrongs) and Kristy Yeung (League of Gods).

Official details:

Hero is a gifted martial artist who is honored to be chosen for training by his mentor, Pride. Upon arriving home to tell his family about this achievement, Hero discovers that his parents have been murdered by a group of foreign gangsters. Hero then uses his family’s mystical red sword to exact revenge on his parents’ killers. Now a wanted man, Hero is forced to leave behind his lover Jade and his best friend Sheng in order to start a new life in America. 16 years later, Sheng Continue reading

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‘Ip Man’ star Donnie Yen signs on for ‘Kung Fu’ remake from ‘John Wick’ and ‘Atomic Blonde’ director David Leitch

"Kung Fu" VHS Cover

“Kung Fu” VHS Cover

Martial arts star Donnie Yen (Sakra, John Wick: Chapter 4) will star in a remake of David Carradine’s classic TV show Kung Fu ( 1972-1975) for Universal Pictures. 87North’s David Leitch, the action filmmaker known for John WickAtomic BlondeDeadpool 2 and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (not to mention a possible Enter the Dragon remake), is attached to direct Kung Fu.

The original ABC series starred Carradine as a master martial artist who fled China after his master was murdered. He wandered the Old West helping the downtrodden and weathering rampant racism while eluding assassins trying to kill him. He was a peaceful man until provoked, which happened at least once an episode. The remake will be set in the present-day, unlike the TV series which was set in the 1800s (via Deadline).

Leitch is also Continue reading

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‘Extraction’ director Sam Hargrave to direct adaptation of Kyle Starks’ action-packed graphic novel ‘Kill Them All’

"Kill Them All" Graphic Novel Cover

“Kill Them All” Graphic Novel Cover

Stuntman/fight choreographer turned director, Sam Hargrave, who is best-known for helming the successful straight-to-Netflix actions films Extraction and Extraction 2, is working on to direct an adaptation of Kill Them All for Paramount. Not to be confused with Van Damme’s Kill ’em All (or Johnny Messner/Gordon Liu’s Kill ’em All), this one is based on the graphic novel by Kyle M. Starks.

The graphic novel follows an elite female assassin who finds out she is going to be “terminated” by the criminal syndicate she’s been loyal to and decides to take them out first. Joining forces with a hard-drinking ex-cop, she embarks on a relentless, action-packed assault through the 15 floors of the syndicate’s headquarters. Her ultimate target: the Boss, with whom she has a complicated Continue reading

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Shatter | aka Call Him Mr. Shatter (1974) Review

"Shatter" Promotional Flyer

“Shatter” Promotional Flyer

Director: Michael Carreras
Co-director: Monte Hellman
Cast: Stuart Whitman, Ti Lung, Lily Li Li-Li, Peter Cushing, Anton Diffring, Ko Hung, Keung Hon, James Ma Chim-Si, Lau Nga-Ying, Lo Wei, Wong Pau Gei, Lau Kar Wing, Roy Chiao Hung, Fung Hak On
Running Time: 89 min.

By Ian Whittle

It’s probably no surprise that Hammer ended up getting into cahoots with the Shaw Brothers – in 1974, tactical programming meant that lucky Brit cinemagoers could enjoy a double bill of Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter with Shaws’ The Girl with the Thunderbolt Kick (a retitled Golden Swallow), or Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell with Taiwanese indie Fists of Vengeance. So we got the infamous, indeed marvellous Hammer/Shaw co-production The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires. Oh, and Shatter

As with Golden Vampires, the British and Chinese crews frequently did not get on, and their different work practices frequently led to conflict. Originally, cult American director Monte Hellman was assigned to direct, but creative differences saw him outed in favour of the film’s producer/Hammer head-honcho Michael Carreras… which as anyone who put on a double-bill of Two-Lane Blacktop and Slave Girls could tell you, is like trying to follow-up Chateau Briand with a day-old Big Mac. Carreras admitted defeat, claiming “In my opinion, the action scenes Continue reading

Posted in All, Asian Related, Chinese, News, Other Movies, Reviews, Shaw Brothers | Tagged , , , , , , , |

The Ring Collection | 4K UHD + Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

The Ring Collection | 4K UHD + Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

The Ring Collection | 4K UHD + Blu-ray (Shout! Factory)

RELEASE DATE: March 19, 2024

On March 19, 2024, Shout! Factory is releasing the 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray for The Ring Collection, a 6-Disc set that will include 2002’s The Ring, 2005’s The Ring Two and 2017’s Rings.

The Ring (2002): This cinematic thrill ride will keep you on the edge of your seat, from the stunning opening to the astonishing conclusion! It begins as just another urban legend – the whispered tale of a nightmarish videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later. But when four teenagers all meet with mysterious deaths exactly one week after watching just such a tape, investigative reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts, Mulholland Drive) tracks down the video … and watches it. Now, the legend is coming true, the clock is ticking, and Rachel has just seven days to unravel Continue reading

Posted in Asian Titles, DVD/Blu-ray New Releases, News |

Deal on Fire! The Villainess | Blu-ray | Only $11.95 – Expires soon!

The Villainess | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

The Villainess | Blu-ray & DVD (Well Go USA)

Today’s Deal on Fire is the Blu-ray for The Villainess (read our review) from Confession of Murder helmer Jeong Byeong-gil. This upcoming actioner is about a female killer played by Kim Ok-bin (Thirst).

Bloody revenge is at the heart of this stylish, kinetic action-thriller that gives a welcome shot of adrenaline to the classic femme fatale story. Honed from childhood into a merciless killing machine by a criminal organization, assassin Sook-hee is recruited as a sleeper agent with the promise of freedom after ten years of service – and she jumps at the chance for a normal life. But soon enough, secrets from her past destroy everything she’s worked for, and now nobody can stand in her way as she embarks on a roaring rampage of revenge.

The Villainess also stars Continue reading

Posted in Deals on Fire!, News |

Badland Hunters (2024) Review

"Badland Hunters" Netflix Poster

“Badland Hunters” Netflix Poster

Director: Heo Myung-haeng
Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Lee Hee-Jun, Lee Jun-Young, Roh Jeong-Eui, Ahn Ji-Hye, Park Ji-Hoon, Jang Young-Namm, Park Sang-Hoon , Ahn Seong-Bong
Running Time: 107 min.

By Paul Bramhall

Badland Hunters marks the latest entry in Korea’s burgeoning fascination with post-apocalyptic settings, a spin-off from director Eom Tae-hwa’s Concrete Utopia, which saw a group of survivors living in the last standing apartment block after an earthquake razed Seoul to the ground. Released on Netflix in January 2024 with less than 6 months having passed since Concrete Utopia hit cinema screens, Badland Hunters arrived straight to streaming as the equivalent of a 2000’s era DTV sequel to a cinematic hit. Set several years after the events of its predecessor, we’re introduced to a Seoul which has now become a savage wasteland with water and food in short supply, and marauding bandits terrorising those just trying to get by. If you’ve ever seen any post-apocalyptic movie, you know the score.

It’s a risky move, especially considering the last time Korea attempted a sequel which transitioned events into a post-apocalyptic future we got the less than well received Train to Busan follow-up Peninsula (of which only one reviewer on the entire internet seemed to prefer it to the original). This time around though Badland Hunters comes with a different director to its predecessor, marking the debut of action director and stuntman veteran Heo Myung-haeng. While Myung-haeng has been around since the early days of the Korean Wave in the 2000’s, he’s arguably Continue reading

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